วาน

Explanation

As a verb, วาน means asking someone to do something for you, often a small favor or errand. It is less about wanting an object and more about requesting an action. Common patterns include วาน + person + verb phrase and วานให้ + person + verb phrase. In the time-related meaning, modern everyday Thai normally uses เมื่อวาน for “yesterday,” rather than วาน alone.

Usage

It is commonly used when asking family members, friends, or coworkers to run an errand, pass on a message, check something, or do a small task. In time expressions, it is most commonly seen in เมื่อวาน, the everyday word for “yesterday.”

Caution

When asking someone senior or in a formal situation, วาน alone can sound a bit direct. It is often softened with ช่วย, หน่อย, ได้ไหม, ครับ/ค่ะ, or รบกวน.

1 ask someone to do something synonyms

• ขอ

  khɔ̌ɔ ask for

  ขอ is broader and can mean asking for something, permission, or a favor. วาน more specifically suggests asking someone to perform a task or do something on your behalf.

• ใช้

  cháy have someone do something

  ใช้ can mean to have someone do an errand or task, but it can sound more like assigning or ordering. วาน sounds more like requesting a favor.

2 yesterday synonyms

• เมื่อวาน

  เมื่อวาน is the normal everyday word for “yesterday.” วาน by itself can sound old-fashioned or literary in this meaning, so learners should usually use เมื่อวาน.